Coincidental outbreaks of rotavirus and respiratory syncytial virus infections in Paris: a survey form 1993 to 1998.

Patients,lts and methods, - In a pediatric hospital of Paris, from 1993 to 1998, respiratory secretions were positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 26.3% of 4,738 children (0-5years) examined or hospitalized for lo wer respiratory tract infections. Rotavirus detection was positive in stool s of 23.7% of the 8,537 children of the same age with acute diarrhea. Results. - The RSV epidermic peak occurred annually in Pal is in December a nd the rotavirus outbreak peaks were observed in December/January. The wint er seasonal peaks remained constant for both pathogens and the temporal app earance of these peaks was constant from 1993 to 1998. Fifty to sixty-one p ercent of rotavirus and 77 to 92% of RSV infections were observed iii Novem ber, December or January. These simultaneous outbreaks provoked important p roblems in hospital organization and prevention of nosocomial infections. Conclusion - The coincidence of RSV and rotavirus peaks is nor Sound in all countries. The epidemic patterns have to be checked ill other parts of Fra nce and Europe because this could be important when active immunization pro grams will be available for these two pathogens. (C) 1999 Elsevier Paris.